The HSUS Assists Craven County Law Enforcement in Dog Cruelty Case

Eight Dogs Seized from Property in Havelock, N.C.

The Humane Society of the United States, working with the Craven
County Sheriff’s Office, assisted in the seizure of six adult dogs and two
newborn puppies from a property in Havelock, North Carolina. The sheriff’s
office discovered the dogs as deputies were investigating an animal complaint
from a member of the community and invited experts from The HSUS’ Animal Rescue
Team to assist in taking care of the neglected animals.

There is a suspect in the case, but no one has been taken into custody. The
Craven County Sheriff’s Office is continuing the investigation. Most of the
dogs were severely emaciated and in need of immediate veterinary care. The
dogs, all of which were Pit Bull Terriers, were without clean drinking water
and food.

The HSUS is currently providing these dogs with the veterinary care they
need before relocating them into a temporary shelter. The dogs will receive
ongoing enrichment, which includes mental stimulation and other socialization
activities, as they are held as evidence pending a hearing on this case.

“These dogs have been exposed to unimaginable suffering and are finally
getting the love and care they deserve,” said Chris Schindler, manager of
animal fighting investigations for The HSUS. “Over the last month in North
Carolina, The HSUS has assisted local law enforcement with two suspected
dogfighting operations, provided shelter and food for displaced pets following
the hurricane, and assisted on numerous animal cruelty cases, helping hundreds
of animals in need.”

The HSUS’ Animal Rescue Team is currently
operating a temporary shelter at the Craven County Fairgrounds for animals
displaced after Hurricane Irene hit the coast of North Carolina. The shelter
has already helped
more than 90 animals by providing shelter, food and water, and vaccinations. In
addition, The HSUS has donated more than 4,000 pounds of dog and cat food to
area residents.

Last month, The HSUS assisted
local law enforcement in the raids of two alleged dogfighting operations in
Pamlico and Jones Counties. Nearly 50 dogs were seized in these raids and are
still being held at a temporary shelter.